HFW’s new managing partners

Rula Dajani Abuljebain will become managing partner of the firm’s Middle East Regional Office of Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) in Dubai from April 1, 2015. Abuljebainhas been based in Dubai since 1996 and has been integral to the development of HFW’s client base in the UAE and across the GCC, in particular in Kuwait and Qatar. She specialises in transactional corporate and commercial law. Her practice spans a wide range of areas, including joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions, as well as project, infrastructure and strategic finance. She also provides advice to companies looking to invest in and/or expand their existing businesses in the Middle East. Abuljebainis an English qualified solicitor, a member of the Kuwait Bar Association and bilingual in Arabic and English.

Hugh Brown, the current office head, will retire from the partnership on March 31, 2015. During his time at HFW, Hugh has seen significant growth in the firm to 145 Partners and 13 offices today. He has played an integral role in developing the firm’s Admiralty practice and in particular in spearheading the firm’s approach to working with the Indian maritime market, developing long-standing relationships with some of the largest shipowners and the Indian Classification Society.

HFW also announced that at the end of his term as the firm’s global managing partner, George Eddings will return to full time legal practice and business development and will be succeeded by Marcus Bowman, with effect from 1 April, 2015. Bowman has considerable experience in the management of the firm, helping to develop the firm's international offices; and for the last year has been the President of the UK Chamber of Shipping.